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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0393.171 2012-2014 CCU 'T'1 CLERK War P NIP 2013 NOV - 1 PM 1: 23 FARMm PO Box 253, Kunia, Hawaii 96759 92-1770 Kunia Road, Kunia, Hawaii 96759 Phone: (808) 848-2074; Neighbor Islands: 1-800-482-1272 Fax: (808)848-1921; e-mail: info(a hfbf.orq November 1,2013 J Yoshimoto Council Chair,County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 RE: Hawaii County Bills 109 and 113 Aloha Council Chair Yoshimoto, The Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation is the largest non-profit general agricultural organization in Hawaii. Our 1,800+farmer and rancher members represent all sizes and sectors of Hawaii's agriculture,including organic,conventional,and biotechnology. We grow approximately 80% of the local food for Hawaii consumers. The people of Hawaii and State policy makers all agree that we need to increase our food security and reduce our dependence on mainland and foreign food imports. Our members are the key to that goal. We cannot do this without the tools available to every other farmer throughout this nation,and without the support of leaders like you. Last week,the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation held its 66th Annual Convention to discuss major issues affecting Hawaii's agricultural industry. Delegate farmers and ranchers representing Kauai, Big Island, Maui,Molokai,and Oahu discussed and voted upon a resolution to oppose any County Bill, specifically Kauai County Bill 2491,Hawaii County Bills 109 and 113 that infringes on Hawaii farmers' and ranchers'freedom to farm using methods and products approved and legal in the United States of America and the State of Hawaii. These bills prohibit or unjustifiably restrict farmers' ability to farm using legal and acceptable agriculture methods. As a County policy maker,you will be setting policy for farmers and ranchers. These policies should come from leaders who are well informed about Hawaii's agricultural communities and not from outside influences willing to use pseudoscience and other emotional ploys to influence your decisions. Your decisions will have serious consequences for Hawaii's food security,and our farmers and ranchers ability to make a living farming. Our farmers must be able to react to the constantly changing environment in Hawaii that threatens our success in producing healthy and affordable food and other products. Besides the underlying challenges of exorbitant land,water,energy,and labor costs in Hawaii,new insect pests,weeds, diseases, drought, and changing weather patterns make it increasingly difficult for Hawaii farmers and ranchers to stay in business to provide food for Hawaii's families. We need your support. Please oppose bills that discriminate against our local farmers and ranchers. Sincerely, Comm. N . '341 3. 1 ? Dean Okimoto Ref. To: President Ref. Date OV 5 FARM PO Box 253, Kunia, Hawaii 96759 92-1770 Kunia Road, Kunia, Hawaii 96759 Phone: (808) 848-2074; Neighbor Islands: 1-800-482-1272 Fax: (808) 848-1921; e-mail: info(a)hfbf.orq HAWAII FARM BUREAU FEDERATION RESOLUTION RESOLUTION REGARDING THE REGULATION OF GMOS AND PESTICIDE USE BY COUNTIES WHEREAS, the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation is the largest non-profit general agricultural organization in Hawaii. Our 1,800+ farmer and rancher members represent all sizes and sectors of Hawaii's agriculture, including organic, conventional, and biotechnology; and WHEREAS, the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation held its 66th Annual Convention on October 23 and 24, 2013 where its House of Delegates convened to discuss major issues affecting Hawaii's agricultural industry; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED that the 2013 House of Delegates of the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation opposes any County bills, such as Hawaii County Bills 109 and 113 and Kauai County Bill 2491 which infringe on Farmers and Ranchers Freedom to Farm using methods and products legal in the United States of America and the State of Hawaii; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 2013 Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation House of Delegates shall transmit letters to all Counties' Councils and Mayors, State Senate, State House, and the Governor, indicating the Delegation's opposition to Hawaii County Bills 109 and 113 and Kauai County Bill 2491 that prohibit or unjustifiably restrict farmers' ability to farm using legal and agriculturally accepted methods.